Does your garage floor look like this? Which fluid is this?
Here are a number of fluids in your car that can leave this mess on your floor.
- Brake Fluid
- Coolant
- Windshield washer fluid
- Engine oil
- Water
- Power steering fluid
- Transmission fluid
Take a close look at the stain.
- What color is it?
- Does it have a smell?
- Check the consistency
You don’t have to be a scientist or mechanic to decipher the fluid leak:
- If it’s clear, watery and under the air conditioner:
It’s probably normal condensation if the air conditioner has been recently used.
- If it’s black or dark brown, greasy and located under the engine area:
Good change it is oil. Which part of the engine did the spot come from? Look
under the hood around the oil filter and engine. Also, see if there are leaks
around the crankcase, oil drain plug and the oil pan below it.
- If it’s thick, black or tan oily liquid:
As a result the gear oil may be leaking from the manual transmission,
differential, an axel or steering gears. If it is one of these leaks, this problem
needs to be addressed immediately.
- If it’s red, pink, or reddish-brown and greasy and you have an automatic transmission:
This is most likely the transmission leak. Locate the dipstick, is the level low? Top off with the correct transmission fluid. In a day or two check the dipstick again. If it is low again, you will need to have a
If it’s watery or slippery; green, red, blue, or yellow; and is coming from under the radiator or engine:
It’s probably coolant. Check the radiator, pressure cap, engine, and hoses for leaks.
- If it’s oily; pink, red, or clear; and you find it toward the front bumper (usually on the driver’s side):
Usually the power-steering fluid. Since the power-steering system is sealed and shouldn’t lose fluid. You will need to get that checked.
- If it’s a light-colored or clear fluid:
This could be a brake fluid leak. The stains should be visible. Leaky brakes very dangerous. Have a professional repair any brake fluid leak immediately.
- If it smells like rotten eggs:
It’s battery acid. Avoid getting it on your hands or clothes and have the battery replaced.
- If it smells like gasoline:
Most likely it is !
Consequently if the smell is coming from under the hood, check around the fuel pump and the fuel injectors — or the carburetor if your vehicle has one.
When the leak seems to be under the center of the vehicle, check the fuel lines.
If it’s under the rear end, check the fuel tank.
